- Really... careless!
- It's not... a little girl on top...
"I hear... voices?"
My head aches. I feel an enormous pressure in my chest that barely lets me breathe. I manage to open my eyelids a little to see an unfamiliar wooden ceiling. But what are... two people? They're arguing nearby, I can't quite make out what they're saying. I try to move but can't really manage it.
- Honey... this is...
- !
A couple of heads appear out of the corner of my eye. The woman and the man seem to have looks of relief. The woman gently places her hand on my cheek while saying something I don't understand.
"It's warm."
A small memory blooms from the back of my mind. The scene reminds me a lot of those days when I caught a cold.
.......
I remember that night, a lot of thunder crashed outside. The door was slammed by powerful winds as raindrops crashed violently against each other. The whole house creaked as the storm only intensified. I clutched the sheets weakly, breathing heavily. My head spun. The fever only served to further cloud my already fragile judgment.
"It hurts... It hurts so much."
Despite my best efforts, small tears escaped the corners of my eyes. The darkness surrounding me only deepened the feeling of loneliness.
- I can't remember the last time there was a storm this strong.
A warm voice, accompanied by an orange light, banished the darkness. Light footsteps approached, illuminating the area.
- And to top it all off, my Dorothy got sick like this. The angel Zadkiel must really be angry with us.
A cool, comforting hand caressed my cheek. I unconsciously bring my cheek closer to her hand to feel more of that coolness. Mom just smiles as she places her other hand on my other cheek. A comforting sensation cuts through my discomfort like a sword.
- My daughter truly is the most adorable thing in this world.
She gently leans closer to me. Her chest smells of freshly picked flowers. Mom softly presses her lips to my forehead.
- Mom will always protect you, Doth. Whether it's from an illness or a storm. Mom will always be there to support you.
A tear escapes my eye as I smile. My mom smiles back. It was the most comforting smile I've ever received.
.........…
- ...!
As I was lost in my thoughts, a small commotion erupted around me. The people in front of me panicked, shouting something at each other. Although I tried to understand the situation, drowsiness overtook me. A single tear rolled down my cheek as I drifted back into sleep.